Page:Pleasant Memories of Pleasant Lands.djvu/194

168. But the late Duchess of Rutland, having been much attached to its scenery, was solicitous that it should be kept in good preservation, as a specimen of other days. Her wishes have been scrupulously obeyed, and thus the antiquarian taste, and the reflecting mind, continue to find high gratification from a visit to this deserted mansion.

I've heard the humid skies did ever weep

In merry England, and a blink of joy

From their blue eyes was like a pearl of price.

Mine own, indeed, are sunnier, yet at times

There comes a day so exquisitely fair,

That with its radiance and its rarity

It makes the senses giddy.

Such an one

Illumined Chatsworth, when we saw it first,

Set like a gem against the hanging woods

That formed its background. Herds of graceful deer,

Pampered, perchance, until they half forgot

Their native fleetness, o'er the ample parks

Roamed at their pleasure. From the tower that crests

The eastern hill, a floating banner swayed

With the light breezes, while a drooping ash,

Of foliage rich, stood lonely near the gates,

Like the presiding genius of the place,

Uniquely beautiful. Their silver jet

The sparkling fountains o'er the freshened lawns

Threw fitfully, and gleaming here and there,